Houston vs McAllen: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Houston, TX and McAllen, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | McAllen, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,131▲ | $84,817 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.55▲ | $40.78 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,835▲ | $67,514 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,238▲ | $68,578 |
| 75th Percentile | $122,160▲ | $98,402 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $137,366▲ | $104,752 |
| Total Employed | 65,910▲ | 5,400 |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to McAllen.
The salary gap between Houston and McAllen is $20,314 (23.95%). Houston's median is +2.34% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Houston spans $58,531,McAllen spans $37,238. Houston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Houston ($106,592 effective) pays 7.95% more than McAllen ($98,745 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,131/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($137,366)
- ✓Larger job market (65,910 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,592)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose McAllen if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Houston grew 23.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.4% growth in McAllen over the same period.
Houston, TX
$80,640 (2019) → $99,830 (2025)
McAllen, TX
$66,900 (2019) → $80,540 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
McAllen, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov